Degree course for working students   
Since the 2003-2004 academic year, the South Tyrolean Business Association, the Free University of Bozen/Bolzano and the Polytechnic of Turin have been engaged in an experimental course model where study is alternated with work. This project is called the “working students” course and is an option for students who are following the undergraduate degree in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science Engineering.

This is an innovative project in which students alternate between practical work experience in a company and periods attending classes at the university (both full-time).
The first year is devoted entirely to study and the traditional three-year course is extended by one year to a total of 4 years.

The project's success has led to its continuation and consolidation.In addition to enrolling at the Free University of Bozen/Bolzano, students sign an apprenticeship contract with a company chosen early in their second year of studies.

This contract entitles students to draw a monthly salary (13 months) for three of the four undergraduate years. The apprenticeship contract starts in June of the first academic year and ends in May in the fourth year, giving students the opportunity to finance their studies.

In 2007 the "working student" project was awarded the "PRIZE FOR THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP OF THE CHAIN ​​OF KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION GIUSEPPINA MAI of ASSOINDUSTRIA".

In 2012 the same project was activated beyond national borders:
a student following the undergraduate degree in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering signed an apprenticeship contract with a German company in Nuremberg.